Updated: 6/11/2024
The DTQ450X from Component Design (CDN) is a quick read digital thermometer thermometer. It is NSF listed and waterproof. Here’s an in depth hands on review of this thermometer.
Updated: September 26, 2024
A mash tun is a container that holds grain and warm water. The warm water activates enzymes in the malt and converts complex carbohydrates to yeast-friendly simple sugars.
A mash tun can be as simple as a bucket. Many homebrewers convert coolers to mash tuns. Those have the advantage of insulation. That insulation helps maintain a steady temp throughout the mash process. Kettles are also regularly used as mash tuns and there are also some purpose built stainless mash tuns. An example of that is Ss Brewtech’s InfuSsion Mash Tun.
From MoreBeer:
If you’ve been thinking about making the move to all-grain brewing, now’s the perfect time! Exclusively for our email subscribers, you can SAVE 35% on a 14-Gal Cooler MT/HT – but only while supplies last!
Why we love these: Many of us at MoreBeer! started our all-grain brewing journey with one of these cooler mash tuns, winning numerous awards with them along the way. They’re reliable, easy to use, and maintain temperature in almost any condition. When we think of these mash tuns, terms like tried and true and old-school cool come to mind.
Insulated Cooler Mash Tun | Hot Liquor Tank | 14 gal. AG336 – use coupon code MTHT35 to get the deal!
Pictured: Update International (DTS-419) 4″ x 19″ Rectangular Drip Tray, Stainless Steel – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Step by Step instructions for making a magnetic drip try for your Kegerator or Keezer.
This is a project that requires materials and tools. Operate power tools carefully. Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.
By: HBF Reader Andrew Cunje
UltraShip scale by My Weigh are generally intended for use in the kitchen or for mailing and shipping.
Looking at the features homebrewer’s, including myself, started using these for grain scales. They feature, generally, high capacities, good accuracy and some great features… like the removable face!
Deal is valid 7/15/24 while supplies last
Ultraship Ultra-55, 55 lb capacity digital scale via MoreBeer
More InfoFrom the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:
Now a scale that you can use to measure large amounts of hops and grains at home! This is a great addition to any home brewery!
This Electronic Grain Scale is capable of weighing a full sack of grain, and then some. This benchtop unit has a 55lb capacity, lifetime warranty, and a host of helpful features.
Limited Availability Deal of the Day: As of this posting, this on sale as as a MoreBeer Deal of the Day. Shipping is also free to addresses in the contiguous US with most $59 Orders. Availability: This is available today only, while supplies last. Quantities are limited. Check the MoreBeer’s Deal of the Day to check today’s offering.
Product Description – Here – Use coupon code BEERDEAL to get this discount.
This is the scale that I use for weighing grain. It’s a great scale! In particular, I like the removable face. That makes weighing large items (like buckets) easy. See: Hands on Review
Electronic Grain Scale – 55 lbs. MT355
As of this writing, three size options are available
This article contains affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won’t pay more and you’ll be supporting Homebrew Finds and more content like this. Thank you for your support!
This review looks specifically at the 55 lb version, although features should be similar between all three variations.
Pictured: aichose Brix Refractometer with ATC, Dual Scale – Specific Gravity & Brix, Hydrometer in Wine Making and Beer Brewing, Homebrew Kit – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
When I first started homebrewing years and years ago, refractometers were expensive. Homebrew shops were selling them for $50 to $70. Even now, it’s not economy to see off brand refractometers sell in this range.
Prior to regular use by hobbyists refractometers were generally lab equipment. along those lines a lab grade refractometer can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Example: Atago 3810 PAL-1 Digital Hand Held Pocket Refractometer, 0.0 – 53.0% Brix Measurement Range
It’s not uncommon to see a dual scale refractometer for $20 or under. It’s my opinion that most of the economy, non lab grade refractometers are probably manufactured by a handful of makers. Or at the very least, the manufacturers are producing units of similar quality. You could easily pay $60 at one retailer and $20 for the same unit via another retailer.
Pictured: Used 5 Gallon Ball Lock Keg via Adventures in Homebrewing
The containers we call Ball Lock and Pin Lock Kegs come from the soda industry. Also called Cornelius Kegs, Corny Kegs and Corney Kegs, they were originally intended to store and distribute soda pre-mix. The big soda companies decided on different style containers for their pre-mix. Pepsi landed on the Ball Lock style while Coke uses the Pin Lock style.
Homebrewers have since re-purposed these as homebrew beer kegs.
Kegs are available in ball lock and pin lock variations in a a variety of sizes.
Here’s a roundup of some of the best available sources for homebrew kegs along with some comparisons on types of kegs, features and benefits and a list of suppliers.
In this post:
I use a converted chest freezer as my kegerator/keezer. With the aid of some modifications like a collar and an overriding thermostat, it works really well. The big downside I’ve experienced is… condensation. Not just beads of water on the sides, I had pooling water in the bottom. Not a good thing. This varies by how often I’m in it, the season and current weather, but the fact is, a chest freezer just isn’t designed to deal with condensation like a refrigerator is.
These are affiliate links. Note that multiple variations of these products may be available, as such a different version may appear at these links
Enter the Eva-Dry E-500. The Eva Dry contains a desiccant material that absorbs moisture. The beads inside this unit absorb moisture. As they do that they change color. When they have gone from blue to pink, you know it’s time to “renew” the unit. This is done by removing it from the kegerator and plugging it into an outlet. The integrated heating element drives off any built up moisture. When the beads turn blue (overnight), you’re ready to go. I don’t have to do this often, usually every couple months.
Front of the Eva-Dry E-500
Craftsman’s model 421165 Ratcheting Box End Wrench has has both an 11/16th end and a 7/8th end. That makes it perfect for the two standard sizes of ball lock posts! I’ve had a chance to give it a try and I think it’s amazing.
Stock Photo
The ratcheting function speeds up post tightening and loosening. Having this wrench also means you’ve got one go-to wrench no matter what type of ball lock post you’re working with. The wrench is solidly built and has the Craftsman Guaranteed Forever Warranty.
Update: 9/2014. I’m still using the same wrench I got back in 2012 and it’s still working great.
Craftsman 11/16 x 7/8 in. Wrench, Ratcheting Box-End
pinnedThis post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
greatdeals
The spreadsheet is setup from my perspective, as a batch sparger. Having said that, almost everything applies equally to a fly sparger with the possible exceptions of the computed mash ratio (more below), planning on a set volume of sparge water and the step by step batch sparge directions.
This is the main sheet where you will fill in information about your beer and your mash parameters. Click to enlarge.
My brew day spreadsheet helps you calculate water volumes and temps and helps you do simple tracking.
If you’re looking for a powerful, full featured solution for building recipes, brew day tracking and loads more, consider Brewfather.
The Fast Weigh MS-500-BLK by American Weigh Scale features a 500 gram capacity and weighs in .1 gram increments. It has a backlit LCD display and is powered by 2 AAA batteries. The protective cover that doubles as a weighing tray. It has the requisite (in my opinion) tare feature that allows you to get a net weight of the item by subtracting container weight. It displays in both ounces and grams.
Here’s a hands on look at the MS-500…
In the box. A note on appearance. The image on the product page is different from the item that I received.
Here’s the scale with a 10 g calibration weight. Hey… it reads 10 g.
Here’s the scale with a 20 g calibration weight. Again, right on the money.
Here is the scale with a total of 28 g (very close to one ounce) and it’s reading right at 28 g.
For accuracy, I recommend weighing hops in grams. For simplicity I recommend weighing Dry Malt Extract for starters in grams. See the Tips Page for more information.
I am very happy with the accuracy of this scale. In fairness, there were some combinations of of calibration weights that did not read out exactly. With some combinations, I noticed a variance of .1 to .2 grams. Very acceptable.
The Fast Weigh MS-500-BLK is part of my Brew Day Box. I’ve used it for years and years. This is great for hops, spices, starter DME and small amounts of specialty grains. If you’re looking for a scale for water salts, I would recommend a scale with a .01 gram resolution like the AWS-100 [Review]
Fast Weigh MS-500-BLK Digital Pocket Scale, 500 by 0.1 G – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
A 600 gram capacity version is also available…
Fast Weigh MS-600 Digital Pocket Scale, Black, 600 X 0.1 G
Also Consider
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
pinned
amazonreview:ms-500-gramscale
Updated: 6/18/2024
I use my March Pump to recirculate/vorlauf, transfer wort to my brew kettle, chill with a recirculating immersion chiller and transfer to my fermenter. It works great, helps me chill down very quickly and overall, it shaves a significant amount of time off my brew day.
When I first started using this pump, I struggled with it. It continually lost prime and, less often, clogged with grain material. Disassembling the pump head is not what I consider a real time saver. That’s no good!
Leland’s Mini CO2 Regulator uses 74 gram CO2 cartridges. These cartridges are about 4.6 times larger than cartridges that are typically used in handheld injectors. The regulator is available in both Ball Lock and Pin Lock Flavors. Additionally Nitrogen Cartridges are an available option.
A look at the regulator, cartridge and ball lock QD combo. Additional options include: A Pin Lock Version and Nitrogen Cartridges. This regulator has a range of 7 to 21 PSI.
Close up of the regulator face. It reads 0 to 30 PSI.
A look at the ball lock QD and connector.
Using my 11 lb capacity digital scale to weigh the regulator and disconnect. This is a beefy little unit. It is solid and well put together. The whole combo comes in at just over a pound and a half.
Installed on a ball lock keg.
When installed, this sticks out approximately 4″.
When installed this sticks up approximately 3.75″.
A close up of the dial.
A close up of the face, installed and at pressure.
For size comparison. Leland regulator next to a handheld injector
For size comparison. 74g cartridge next to a 16g cartridge. A 74g cartridge contains the equivalent of 4.625 16g cartridges.
Stock Photo of the Pin Lock Version of this Regulator
This model differs from other portable handheld CO2 injectors in a couple key ways. First, it has a gauge and you can set the pressure. Your beer stays at the intended pressure automatically. If you’ve used a handheld injector for any length of time, you’ll know what an advantage having a true regulator is. Second, it takes relatively large 74g CO2 cartridges. These cartridges give you the capacity to dispense up to four full 5 gallon kegs. The 74g cartridges are the equivalent of 4.625 16g cartridges. That’s convenient.
Some applications for this regulator…
Small Space Regulator
If you’re in a small space situation, this would make a good everyday regulator. The regulator itself takes up very little room and there is no bulky CO2 tank. If you’re in an apartment or other small space, this gets you serving draft beer without using a lot of room.
Portable Serving
This makes for a great on-the-go regulator.
Nitrogen Serving
Want to serve the occasional beer on Nitrogen but don’t want to buy an additional regulator and tank? More Beer offers Nitrogen Cartridges for this regulator.
Backup – I’m out of CO2 and I want to pour a beer!
I’ve used this as a backup when my main CO2 tank has run out. Swap out the CO2 line for this regulator and you’ve got a temporary solution to keep you up and going until you can get more CO2.
Serve Beers at Alternate Carbonation Levels
This regulator goes up to 30 PSI. That’s plenty to serve high carbonation beers like Hefeweizens and Belgians. If you don’t have a dual or triple pressure setup, you could use this regulator to serve beers at higher pressures. I would not suggest force carbonation with this unit. The 74g cartridges would be pricey. You could carbonate using your existing regulator or just as easily naturally carbonate with priming sugar. After the beer is completely carbonated, use this to serve at the higher pressure.
Saving Partial Cartridges
This particular unit comes with a gas ball lock disconnect and a 74g CO2 Cartridge. A good thing about this setup is… you don’t have to discard partial cartridges. If you decide to serve a 3 gallon keg for a get together, or use this to serve beer from your kegerator in a crunch, you’re able to save the rest of that cartridge for a future use.
The Leland Mini Regulator is well built and has worked great for me since Spring of 2012. It’s small and has a number of handy applications.
pinned
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
morebeerreview:lelandminiregulator
I periodically brew small (1-3) gallon all grain batches of beer on my stove top. Some reasons I do that… 1. The weather – it’s too cold, too hot or too something else, 2. Time or 3. I want to test something. It’s a fun, simple, quick and economical way to brew all grain with minimal investment.
MoreBeer has a massive early holiday sale going on as of this posting. Over 100 products are discounted. Check sale page for selection and availability.
5 Gallon Stainless Steel Kettle BE300 is included in the mix and on sale for just $23.99
For the extract brewer, what kind of gear is needed to accomplish this amazing feat? A comprehensive list follows…
Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts!
Refill vs swap: The capacity of the standard 20 lb propane tank is, well.. around 20 lbs. Several years ago, some swap services started to underfill tanks. For example, it’s my understanding that Blue Rhino fills to 15 lbs and Heritage Propane fills to 17 lbs.
For me, refilling a tank to 20 lbs is actually less expensive than swapping it out. For the purpose of comparison, let’s say that refilling and swapping are the same… $20 to swap and $20 to refill. The fill costs you $1/lb. If you’re refilling with a vendor that fills to 15 lbs, you’re paying $1.33/lb or 33% more.
When you refill your tank – You’re, generally, saving money, You’re supporting a local business and saving yourself time because you don’t have to get propane as often.
Extra tanks: I suggest having an extra tank (or two) of propane on hand. Running out of propane mid brew is a bummer. It is inconvenient and you can end up with a different beer than you intended because of the delay. This can also be a money saving thing too if your refiller charges by the tank. Since you don’t want to run out of propane on brew day, you may be more likely to swap or refill a tank that still have propane left in it.
Larger tanks: Another approach to saving trips for propane is to get a larger 30 Pound or 40 Pound tank.
Search Amazon for “Propane Tank” – offerings vary
pinned
This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
greatdealsMake sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions. tag:lnksfxd toppost:propanetips rp:tips4 tag:tpr
If you’re still needing to source rhizomes, we maintain a list of suppliers that is generally updated each hop growing season. See: Grow Your Own Hops – Rhizome Roundup!
eBay can also be a good source for rhizomes – search hop rhizomes. Look for a seller with good feedback.
Updated: 5/22/2024
Temperature controllers, sometimes referred to as over-riding thermostats, can control devices like refrigerators, freezers and fermentation heating devices to provide a consistent temperature for your kegerator, fermentation chamber or brew system. They do this by monitoring the temperature and cycling on and off the device in question. Generally, you will set the device to full cooling or heating power and the temperature controller takes over from there.
Unwired means.. you have to hook up the electrical wiring. It does not come with a plug-in cord. The ITC-1000 is an example of an unwired controller. That controller requires some additional materials, time and know-how to get working. Wired means… no AC wiring is necessary, the controller comes with cords that you can plug your cooling and/or heating devices into.
Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts! This is a Top Post! See: All Top Posts
A loose corny keg handle or base can be an annoyance. If your keg is in otherwise good shape, it may make sense to repair a loose handle or base.
This technique comes via Facebook friend Jason Connect with HBF on Facebook]. Thank you Jason!
Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts! This is a Top Post! See: All Top Posts
I periodically brew small batches that require less that a full packet of dry yeast. See: Small Batch, All Grain Stove Top Brewing + Water Calculation Spreadsheet. For that matter, sometimes larger beers require a full packet plus.
To save money and reduce waste, I use my vacuum sealer to store partial packets of dried yeast.
Here’s the procedure I use…
Pictured – MoreBeer’s Rhizome Pre Sale – Check it out
A few retailers have an annual rhizome pre-sales. The earlier you “hop” (did you see what I did there) on these sales, the better. That will give you a better chance to reserve the varieties you want to grow in your hop garden.
Updated: November 2, 2024
Star San is my homebrew sanitizer of choice. When mixed properly, it’s food safe and no rinse. Required contact time is five minutes. It has worked very well for me for quite some time and I’m convinced that it’s one of the most economical solutions available if you’re using the “Spray Bottle Method” outlined here.
The first step in sanitizing is cleaning. Cleaning and sanitizing are two separate steps. Cleaning physically removes dirt and large contaminants. After your item is physically clean it can be microscopically sanitized. Sanitization kills many (but not all) germs, bacteria and microorganisms on an already clean surface. I typically use a mixture of PBW for cleaning. Sanitizing and Sterilizing are different. Sterilizing is killing every living thing. In home brewing typically, we’re not interested in sterilizing, we’re only interested in sanitizing.
